Well, it’s official: Randy Fichtner is no longer the offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers. When we’re all done popping champagne bottles, it’s time to get down to business of finding the next offensive play caller. This is not an easy job whatsoever as their is so much uncertainty at quarterback as well as whether or not Mike Tomlin has a future as this teams head coach should the Steelers regress next season.
With so many question marks, I compiled and separated a list of possible replacements. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Steelers picked anyone of the following guys or if they went off the board completely. There is no clear-cut favorite and I anticipate this job will not be one that is highly sought after due to the Steelers glaring question marks.
Hired from within:
Matt Canada - The most obvious name on our list is current Steelers quarterback coach, Matt Canada. Canada was seemingly hired to take over this job after Randy Fichtner’s time came to an end. But with the Steelers completely turning away from Canada’s offensive creativity, I don’t imagine he’s the front runner by any means. Additionally, the Miami Dolphins are currently persuading Canada to return to south beach to be their offensive coordinator. He’ll have options at his next job and the Dolphins gig is in a better place than the Steelers.
Recently fired:
Jim Caldwell - Caldwell is the perfect coach if the Steelers are looking for someone to bridge the gap between now and whenever the Steelers have a new starting quarterback.
Doug Pederson - Pederson is still a candidate for the head job in New York. However, if they go in another direction, Pederson might be more willing to take a year off of football after getting chased out of Philly.
Adam Gase - The incompetent head coach is still beloved by Peyton Manning. Gase will never be a head coach in the league again but he is destined to return as a coordinator.
Anthony Lynn - Lynn was fired after some baffling decisions as the Chargers head coach. With less responsibility, Lynn will find success again in the league.
Brian Schottenheimer - Former Seahawks and Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has gotten a lot out of some lacking offenses. But much like the Steelers this year, the Seahawks fell off a cliff after a hot start.
Young positional coaches:
Pep Hamilton - Chargers quarterback coach was the former head coach and general manager of the DC defenders of the XFL. Hamilton is a name already circling the league as a possible coordinator and future head coach.
Mike Kafka - The Chiefs passing game coordinator is in play for the Eagles head coaching job. The 33 year old’s meteoric rise comes on the back of the success of the Chiefs high powered offense, but Kafka will get a promotion before the 2021 season.
Mike McDaniel - The 49ers run game coordinator has learned under possibly the best offensive mind in the game today in Kyle Shanahan. He could be the guy.
Tony Elliott - The University of Clemson offensive coordinator is a name involved with the Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator list. The man calling plays for Trevor Lawrence will be in the NFL soon enough.
Long shots:
Lincoln Riley - Lincoln Riley could have any of the NFL head coaching openings he wants. He loves his role at the university of Oklahoma and it will take a lot to pry him away. He would need some certainty of being the next head coach as well as a massive contract.
Matt Campbell - The Iowa State head coach turned down the Jets offer to be their next head coach. Campbell is going to skyrocket up the NCAA coaching hierarchy in the coming years. Perhaps drafting his quarterback, Brock Purdy, might help in persuading him.
Mike Munchak - Perhaps the biggest long shot. Coach Munchak is one of the most respected minds in the city of Pittsburgh. The offensive line guru left for Denver to be closer with his grandkids. Perhaps a promotion could bring him back to the steel city.
That’s the list! What do you think? Who do you want to be the next offensive coordinator? Did I miss any names? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below!